The local jokesters may have a field day with this one, but I could sure use some logical advice concerning a base-line on which to start, to help solve my challenge...

To whit: At 66 years of age, and with old back injuries from the 1960s taking their toll on my deteriorating backbone, my original height of 5' 7.5" has lost about an inch. Point: I never was very tall, and I am not getting any taller.

I have always been physically comfortable in cars with manual transmissions. I have always been able to find the correct geometry between seat height, and distance from the dashboard that allows my right foot/ankle and leg to be comfortable dealing with the accelerator, and my left leg being comfortable dealing with the clutch. Our old 4 speed '81 Subaru was probably the most comfortable car I have ever driven. (Well... maybe the 1965 Olds 442...)

I feel a bit challenged with my Generation 5 Legacy 2.5i 6MT. Nothing that is a deal breaker, mind you. just a bit challenged. And I could use some help and suggestions...

There are three issues in the geometry of that front control area (leaving out the steering wheel, which is OK). The geometry affects one's right leg/ankle, one's right knee, and one's left leg - especially on longer trips.

Because of my 'challenged' height, if the seat is closer to the dash, my right leg on the accelerator cramps up, but I can push the clutch in completely, just fine. If the seat is back further, my right leg is comfortable, but my left leg/foot cannot quite push the clutch pedal in the whole way. Raising the seat somehow helps with the cramping right leg, but causes my right ankle some grief, because now it is on an angle.

The correct geometry seems to be hidden somewhere in the 3 dimensional relationship between the seat height, the forward/rear seat position, and the rake of the front seat, front to rear...

The current position is totally flat seat + seat at 3/4 max height. Just got back from a 4 hour trip to Regional Chorus to pick up our daughter. I can still walk. Heh. Heh. Not as bad as with the seat down at the bottom, but my right ankle is not happy.

Yeah. I suppose it may be amusing to some, and that is OK. However, it is a big deal to me. There must be a person or two my size out there, driving a Gen 5 Legacy 6MT, who have solved this equation. Any ideas on the proper base line geometry - so that I can experiment - will be accepted gratefully.

What about seat angle? When the distance of the seat from the dash is good for your left leg your right leg cramps. What if you could raise the front of the seat to cradle your legs more then your right leg won't be so suspended in a tense position? I'm just speculating but I assume your tensing your right leg when your left leg rests between clutching so if you take some of the positional pressure off the right leg holding steady on the gas then you'd be less likely to cramp.

Heh. Heh. 10 positions and their permutations are almost too many... However, the raising of the front of the seat is one thing to certainly try. I think I have stayed away from it, because it also affects my left leg - which to reach the bottom of the clutch throw, is already pretty stretched. Heck...I will try it, fer sure...

I have a very short friend that had to use some type of pedal extender. Does anyone know of a safe product that byll could attach to clutch pedal to make clutching easier? If you find a product that brings the clutch closer to you then problem solved. You would adjust to whats good for your right leg and left leg would still reach. I will do some research into this.http://www.reference.com/motif/Vehic...edal-extenders

This link may help. Usually pedal extenders are for those with shorter height than you, but they are also known to be used by people with arthritis type issues.

I'm 6'2 and also feel like my right leg cramps up but my left leg seems fine while using the clutch. it almost seems to me like the pedals are in a different position in the subaru than in other cars which puts my right leg and ankle in a weird sort of angled position.

I am 5' 7-1/2" tall as well, and I have found the following optimal to my driving.

Steps:
1. Adjust the height so the seat is all the way down. make the seatback feel comfortable, and set the seat so you can just barely but comfortably push in the clutch. At this point, you should have to strain to push the clutch all the way to the floor.

2. Bring the height of the set up. Waaaaaay up. Crank that seat till you can see most of the hood. Adjust the steering wheel so you can see the gauges.

3. Readjust the seatback for comfort again.

Done. I have found this works wonders. As far as foot positioning goes, I can rest my foot on the clutch and not have it put any tension on it. Not sure if I just have light feet. But the right foot sits halfway between the gas and brake.

Pleweickor: I tried your suggestion. The only additional thing I had to deal with is that it seems the seat changes front to back position a bit, as one cranks it up. Anyway, a few adjustments later, and I am more comfortable in the car than ever. Thanks. Your help is appreciated.